YouTube Creators Dominate Box Office with ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’
In a groundbreaking shift within the film industry, two horror films directed by former YouTubers have surged to the top of the box office, signaling a new era where online content creators are making significant inroads into mainstream cinema.
Leading the charge is Backrooms, a feature-length adaptation of Kane Parsons’ viral YouTube series. The film, which delves into the eerie concept of an endless, physics-defying office space, has captivated audiences, particularly from the Gen Z demographic. On its opening weekend, Backrooms amassed an impressive $81.5 million domestically, nearly matching the debut earnings of the high-budget The Mandalorian and Grogu. Produced on a modest $10 million budget, the film also set a global record for distributor A24, achieving $118 million worldwide. This success has positioned Parsons as the youngest director to top global box office charts. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d35d92d5327596d56e2fd640743ae98e?utm_source=openai))
Simultaneously, Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, continues to perform strongly in its third weekend. The film added $26.4 million to its earnings, bringing its domestic total to $104.7 million and making it Focus Features’ highest-grossing domestic release. Notably, Obsession has defied industry norms by increasing its box office earnings in both its second and third weekends—a rare feat in Hollywood. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d35d92d5327596d56e2fd640743ae98e?utm_source=openai))
Both films were produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, a studio known for supporting youth-oriented horror content. The unexpected success of these films underscores a growing trend where online creators are successfully transitioning into mainstream cinema. The strong turnout of young and diverse audiences suggests that internet-born stories and creators are playing a pivotal role in revitalizing theater attendance and potentially reshaping Hollywood’s talent pipeline. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d35d92d5327596d56e2fd640743ae98e?utm_source=openai))
Kane Parsons, at just 20 years old, has become a prominent figure in this movement. His journey from creating short horror videos on YouTube to directing a major feature film exemplifies the potential of online platforms as incubators for new talent. Parsons’ Backrooms series, which began as a nine-minute short film inspired by internet folklore, has evolved into a cinematic phenomenon. The film’s success is attributed to its immersive set design, gripping performances, and expertly built tension, drawing comparisons to classics like The Blair Witch Project and The Cabin in the Woods. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/movies/backrooms-review-this-youtube-horror-movie-is-blair-witch-meets-cabin-in-the-woods-in-the-best-possible-way?utm_source=openai))
Curry Barker, 26, has also made a significant impact with Obsession. His background includes the hour-long found footage horror film Milk & Serial, released on YouTube in 2024. Barker’s ability to engage audiences with compelling storytelling has translated seamlessly into his feature film work, as evidenced by the sustained box office growth of Obsession. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/30/this-weekends-two-biggest-movies-were-both-directed-by-youtubers/?utm_source=openai))
The success of Backrooms and Obsession follows the earlier achievements of Iron Lung, a video game adaptation directed by Mark Fischbach, better known as Markiplier. Released earlier this year, Iron Lung grossed nearly $41 million domestically, further highlighting the potential of YouTube creators in the film industry. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/30/this-weekends-two-biggest-movies-were-both-directed-by-youtubers/?utm_source=openai))
Industry experts note that the longevity and dedication of these creators have been key factors in their successful transition to mainstream cinema. Mark DelVecchio, general manager of Rutgers Cinema, observed that despite their youth, creators like Parsons and Barker have developed loyal audiences over time, which has contributed to their box office success. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/30/this-weekends-two-biggest-movies-were-both-directed-by-youtubers/?utm_source=openai))
The rise of YouTube creators in the film industry reflects a broader trend of digital platforms serving as launchpads for new talent. As studios continue to recognize the value of online creators, the line between internet content and traditional cinema is becoming increasingly blurred. This shift not only diversifies the types of stories being told but also introduces fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques to the big screen.
In conclusion, the box office dominance of Backrooms and Obsession marks a significant moment in the evolution of the film industry. The success of these films demonstrates the growing influence of online creators and the potential for digital platforms to serve as incubators for the next generation of filmmakers. As audiences continue to embrace content from diverse sources, the future of cinema appears to be more inclusive and dynamic than ever before.
